The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) believes UK retailers lost a total £131 million ($162m) from shoplifting activities, based on estimates from 7,123 stores across the country, reports BBC.

Each store would be losing an average of £2,605 a year due to these criminal activities. Retailers believe the police response is insufficient and inadequate.

Around 70% of retailers surveyed by the ACS said they were dissatisfied with the response of police to reports of theft.

Shop keepers are using their own methods to make their stores safer - some strap bicycle locks around refrigerators or install door bells around the premise, while others use social media to denounce suspects.